A CHARITY run due to take place in Highclere this weekend has been postponed following a week of heavy rain.

Parkinson’s UK have taken the decision to postpone their Run Highclere event, scheduled to take place at Highclere Castle on Sunday.

Due to heavy rainfall over the past week in Newbury, the field where Run Highclere was due to take place has become severely waterlogged and has led to the car parking area on the site has becoming unsuitable for use.

Clare Chater, head of events at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We feel that to allow Run Highclere to take place would be irresponsible as we owe a duty of care to our runners, spectators and volunteers.

“We have been monitoring weather forecasts and the situation on the ground for the past week.

“Initial indications were that the weather would clear and it was hoped that this would give enough time for the ground to recover.

“However, with further rain now forecast over the coming days the charity has had to take the advice of the Castle’s estate management department that the event should not go ahead.

“We really appreciate all of our runners support and offer our sincerest apologies. We did not take this decision lightly and we are deeply upset at the postponement, having worked very hard to organise what we hoped would be a memorable day.

“Staff at Highclere Castle have been very supportive and are currently working with us to try and secure an alternative date to hold the run - an announcement will be made within the next fortnight.”